Seven new HLA-B alleles associated with antigens in the B7 CREG

This paper describes seven novel HLA-B alleles. Five of these new alleles contain polymorphic motifs previously reported in HLA-B alleles, suggesting an origin resultant from a gene conversion mechanism. B*0723 contains a polymorphism previously unreported in class I HLA molecules. B*4105 contains a nucleotide substitution previously unreported in class I HLA molecules, which encodes a protein sequence previously reported only in HLA-C locus alleles.     

Role of antigen density in immune lysis of interferon-treated human lymphoid cells: analysis with monoclonal antibodies to the HLA-A,B antigenic molecular complex and to Ia-like antigens

Cultured human lymphoid WI-L2 cells incubated with human leucocyte interferon (final concentration 500 and 2000 U/ml) for 16 h at 37 degrees C acquire increased susceptibility to complement and cell-dependent lysis mediated by monoclonal antibodies to HLA-A,B antigens and to human beta 2-microglobulin but do not change in their susceptibility to immune lysis mediated by monoclonal antibodies to human Ia-like antigens. Changes in susceptibility to immune lysis of interferon-treated lymphoid cells are likely to reflect changes in antigen density, since binding assays with monoclonal antibodies and quantitative absorption assays with alloantisera have shown that the expression of HLA-A,B antigens and beta 2-microglobulin is significantly increased on interferon-treated lymphoid cells, whereas that of Ia-like antigens in not changed.     

Possible involvement of receptors in the entry of Kunjin virus into Vero cells

Summary The results obtained from electron microscopy, adsorbed and internalised virus assays and immunofluorescence studies supported that the most likely mode of entry of Kunjin virus into Vero cells was by receptor-mediated endocytosis. This was deduced indirectly from the time sequence of events that occurred. Electron microscopy revealed that endocytosis of the virus through coated vesicles had occurred. The adsorbed and internalised virus assay and immunofluorescence studies showed that there were two factors being recycled during endocytosis: the receptor for the virus and clathrin, the protein found on coated pits and vesicles. The study showed that clathrin was recycled first, followed by the receptor.     

Laser doppler imaging of menstrual symptoms

In this paper, the skin blood flow for the stomach and forehead regions of 36 female patients with menstrual symptoms was studied using a moorLDI laser Doppler imager in which the results of 6 typical patients are included. The patterns obtained at the two sites are common to all women in the sample who have menstrual symptoms. Cold stress testing was also investigated to see if it was effective in bringing out any skin blood flow fluctuation at these regions caused by menstrual symptoms. Each patient attended two scanning sessions: one before and the other during menstruation. During each session, the patient was scanned three consecutive times, each on the stomach and the forehead skin regions. For each region, the first measurement was a bare scanning whereas for the second and the third, 85% denatured ethanol (cold stress test) was applied onto the required scan areas. It was found that cold stress testing was able to bring out distinct differences in LDI perfusion images before and during menstruation. Results were best captured when perfusion images were taken approximately after 85% denatured ethanol had been applied in two layers for 30 s, allowed to evaporate over the next 5 min (approximately the time taken to obtain one image), reapplied for another 30 s and then finally over the next 30 s allowed to evaporate further. However, it was impossible to deduce conclusively any correlation regarding migraine and skin blood flow since all the patients for this work had menstrual cramps only.     

Disease-bearing insects brought in by international aircraft into Singapore

Fifty-seven (17.3%) of 330 incoming aircraft landing at Changi International Airport were found to harbour mosquitoes and other insects on board. The frequency of insects detected in aircraft from the Southeast Asian countries varied from 7.1% to 32.2%. Live insects were found in 5 (6.1%) of 82 aircraft disinsectized by the "block away" method. The species of mosquitoes brought in were: Culex quinquefasciatus (96), Culex tritaeniorhynchus (1), Aedes albopictus (2) and Aedes aegypti (1). None of the 51 female Culex quinquefasciatus dissected was found to be infected with microfilariae. They key to the prevention of introduction of exotic vectors and transmission of vector- borne diseases is to continue with the existing system of vector surveillance and control at the international airport, rather than routine disinsecting of aircraft landing in Singapore.     

Behavioral Health Screening and Care Coordination for Rural Veterans in a Federally Qualified Health Center

Many rural veterans receive care in community settings but could benefit from VA services for certain needs, presenting an opportunity for coordination across systems. This article details the Collaborative Systems of Care (CSC) program, a novel, nurse-led care coordination program identifying and connecting veterans presenting for care in a Federally Qualified Health Center to VA behavioral health and other services based upon the veteran’s preferences and eligibility. The CSC program systematically identifies veteran patients, screens for common behavioral health issues, explores VA eligibility for interested veterans, and facilitates coordination with VA to improve healthcare access. While the present program focuses on behavioral health, there is a unique emphasis on assisting veterans with the eligibility and enrollment process and coordinating additional care tailored to the patient. As VA expands its presence in community care, opportunities for VA-community care coordination will increase, making the development and implementation of such interventions important.

     

Interventions to Increase Multivitamin Use Among Women in the Interconception Period: An IMPLICIT Network Study

Maternal and Child Health Journal - Each year, 3% of infants in the Unites States (US) are born with congenital anomalies, including 3000 with neural tube defects. Multivitamins (MVIs) including...     

The Development of a Multilevel Intervention to Optimise Participant Engagement with an Obesity Prevention Programme Delivered in UK children’s Centres

Prevention Science - Poor participant engagement threatens the potential impact and cost-effectiveness of public health programmes preventing meaningful evaluation and wider application. Although...